G'Day ! Welcome to Australia - the country of contrasts

Australia is a natural wonderland of beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, amazing ancient rock formations and pristine rainforests. This is a land of the unexpected.

Australia is both an island and a continent; it is the largest island but smallest continent in the world. It is about 3700 kilometres from north to south and 4000 kilometres from east to west. It has an area of nearly 7.7 million square kilometres and is the lowest of all the continents with the highest point at only 2228 metres. Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It's about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the USA and 50 per cent larger than Europe, but has the lowest population density in the world - only two people per square kilometer.

This is a land full of powerful experiences just waiting to be discovered. Australia boasts over 10,000 beaches - more than any other nation. Much of Australia's exotic flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Australia supports at least 25,000 species of plants, while Europe only supports 17,500. Australia’s cities are destinations in their own right, the wonderful variety of Australia’s culture is reflected in its cities. Each offers the visitor a new experience, each offers its own distinct character reflected in design, arts, food and entertainment experiences. There is a city for all tastes. In Australia over 200 different languages and dialects are spoken, including 45 indigenous languages. The most commonly spoken languages (other then English) are Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mandarin

Australia is made up of six states and two territories.

1. QUEENSLAND Queensland is Australia's second largest state measuring more than 1.72 million square kilometres, 25% of Australia's land mass, which is four times the size of Japan, nearly six times the size of the UK and more than twice the size of Texas in the US. Queensland is known as Australia's Sunshine State. Brisbane, the capital makes an excellent base for touring the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Noosa. Only a couple hours away is Fraser Island - the largest sand island in the world.

2. NEW SOUTH WALES New South Wales, the oldest and biggest state in Australia, is just the place where you can get the big city buzz plus great beaches, outdoor lifestyle and World Heritage national parks. Enjoy Sydney’s rich cosmopolitan lifestyle, its fine restaurants and cool shopping, as well as the natural beauty of its world famous harbour. On Sydney's doorstep discover Australia's most accessible wilderness… The Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

3. VICTORIA Discover the diversity and beauty of Victoria's regions. From the world-class wineries of the Yarra Valley to the mineral springs of Macedon Ranges and Spa Country, the coastal villages of the peninsulas to alpine towns in the High Country, the state of Victoria has something for everyone. Drive along the scenic Great Ocean Road, survey vineyards and farmland from a hot-air balloon, or experience the vibrant nightlife, shopping and food and wine of Melbourne – the capital of Victoria.

4. AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY (ACT) The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was established in 1911 to create a capital for the newly federated country of Australia. Some 2330 square kilometres (900 square miles) was set aside, 53 per cent of which today remains nature park or reserve. Canberra, the urban centre of the ACT, is a modern city with stylish restaurants, bars, boutique shopping and a calendar of events and festivals. Much renowned Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park are situated just about 45 minutes' drive from the city.

5. SOUTH AUSTRALIA Adelaide is South Australia's elegant, easy-living capital, where the people will make you feel at home and you'll get all the buzz of big city living without big city bills. From here it's less than an hour to 200-odd cellar doors, the house-boating heaven of the Murray River and the sparkling beaches and cliff-top restaurants of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Drink wines loved the world over in Barossa, Coonawarra and the Clare Valley, or fly south to Kangaroo Island to get up close and personal with sea lions, kangaroos and koalas.

6. WESTERN AUSTRALIA An extensive range of marine experiences, outback adventure, wine, forests and wildflowers, friendly people and a relaxed, carefree lifestyle are just some of the enjoyable elements of a holiday in Western Australia. Western Australia is the leading nature based holiday destination in Australia. A place where you can snorkel beside wild dolphins, swim with the world's largest fish - the Whale Shark, or explore the beehive-like formations of the Bungle Bungles. Perth City offers an easy-going lifestyle.

7. NORTHERN TERRITORY Equivalent in size to France, Italy and Spain combined, the Northern Territory is blessed with a variety of natural landscapes. Darwin is the capital city of Northern Territory. Some of the Northern Territory’s iconic wonders include the World Heritage-listed National Parks Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta (Ayers Rock). Australia's heartland is steeped in mystery. Full of ancient Dreamtime legends, the Territory also boasts World-Heritage listed National Parks, expansive wetlands, vast red deserts, stunning gorges and massive monoliths.

8. TASMANIASeparated from mainland Australia by the 240 kilometres (150 miles) stretch of Bass Strait, Tasmania is a land apart - a place of wild, mountainous and beautiful landscapes; friendly, welcoming people; temperate climate; quality wines and food; a spirited history; and a creative arts community - all wrapped up in a relaxed lifestyle. Hobart is the capital of Tasmania. More than 40 percent of the island is protected as World Heritage Area, national parks and state and marine reserves.

TRAVEL INFORMATION AND VISAS

Climate : Australia’s climate makes it a fabulous holiday destination all year round. Australia is well known for blue skies and sunshine. The climate is generally pleasant with no extremes in temperature. There are two climatic zones. To the north, about 40% of Australia is in the tropical zone. The Northern part of the country is the warmest and the Southern States tend to be cooler. The remainder is in the temperate zone. Summer officially starts in December and winter in June. For more detailed information on rainfall and temperatures visit www.bom.gov.au

Visas : Travellers to Australia need a valid passport or similar certificate of identification. Everyone, except travellers with Australian or New Zealand passports, requires a visa. Visit the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs’ website for information on tourist visas, working holidays, business visits, students, immigration, Electronic Travel Authority (ETAs), visas and other useful contacts. For the location of your nearest Australian consulate go to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website. Working Holiday Maker Australia’s reciprocal

Working Holiday Maker : (WHM) arrangements with a number of other countries allows young holidaymakers (who meet the visa criteria) to earn cash on holiday through 'incidental employment'. Currently, Australia has reciprocal WHM arrangements in effect with 19 countries: the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malta, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Cyprus, Italy, France, Belgium, Estonia and Taiwan. Information about the WHM scheme can be obtained from Australia’s Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMIA) website.

Customs : There are strict laws prohibiting or restricting the entry of drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, protected wildlife and associated products. If you are unsure about anything declare it to Customs upon arrival.

Quarantine : Australia’s environment is unique. Quarantine helps keep it that way. Food, plant and animal products from overseas could introduce destructive pests and diseases to the country. Quarantine items include fresh or packaged food, fruit, eggs, meat, vegetables, seeds, skins, feathers, wood and plants. Failure to declare food, plant and animal material could result in serious fines. For further information see the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.

Tax Free/Duty Free : Each traveller over 18 years of age can bring into Australia 2250ml of alcoholic liquor and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products duty/tax free. For other goods, including those intended as gifts, a duty/tax-free allowance of $A900 per person or $A450 per person under 18 is available. People related by birth or marriage living at the same address and travelling together (families) may pool their allowances. These articles must accompany you through Customs and must not be intended for commercial purposes.

Cash and foreign currency : If you bring in or take out of Australia more than $A10,000 cash or the equivalent in foreign currency (travellers cheques excluded), you must declare it to Customs. Failure to do is an offence.

Luggage inspection : Luggage and hand baggage may be inspected before passengers board domestic and international flights. Also upon arrival into Australia all luggage may be inspected. You need to declare all items of a quarantine concern, otherwise you may be fined or prosecuted. For further information please see Australian Customs Service. Passenger Movement Charge Australia's

Passenger Movement Charge : (departure tax) is $A38 per person and is pre-paid with your international airline ticket. Exemptions apply to children under 12 years and 24 hour transit passengers. There may be other government, airport and sea taxes and levies applicable which are usually included in your ticket.

Tax : GST is a flat 10% in Australia and is included in the priced displayed on a product or service. Under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) visitors are entitled to a refund of GST paid on new or 2nd hand goods purchased from any one vendor. Goods must be valued at a minimum of AUD$300.

Vaccinations : Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from, or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within six days before arrival. No other health certificate is required to enter Australia. For further information see Department of Health and Ageing and World Health Organisation.

Medications : Medicinal products brought into Australia are subject to strict controls and should be declared on arrival. It is advisable to have a letter or prescription from your doctor describing your medical condition and the medication.

UNIQUE WONDERS

ULURO / AYERS ROCK : Step into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a land where imposing russet monoliths loom over flat sand plains, and you step into a world of mystery and legend. This is the home of two of the most breathtaking unique wonders in Australia. Uluru (Ayers Rock), one great monolith rising 348 metres from the earth, and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), 36 red landforms clustered together just 32 kilometres away. This land is more than a magnificent sight, it is home to the Anangu Aboriginal people.

Pinnacles and Bungles : Western Australia's ancient land houses several unique wonders including the Pinnacles - thousands of pointed rock forms on a red desert expanse, and the Bungle Bungles, a gold and black-striped range of landforms

A coral wonderland : The Great Barrier Reef , more than 1,000 islands off the far north coast of Queensland, offers more than dazzling coral displays: there's pristine white beaches, crystal blue water and warm, lazy days.

Sydney Opera House : Sydney Opera House, an extraordinary structure on the harbour at Bennelong Point, is one of the world's premier performing-arts centres. Opened in 1973, it has taken its place among the world's most important buildings. It was designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and took almost 15 years to build.

Kangaroo Island : Kangaroo Island, near the tip of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, is Australia's third largest island. Civilisation and wilderness meet there in harmony, and sea lions, penguins, dolphins, koalas and kangaroos live in a natural environment.